Timing the engine

[l10tus]

Whilst using the Strobe, what's the best way of avoiding getting shocks when moving the distributor ?

I just got a couple of real belters, and wonder if wearing household rubber gloves is the order of the day??

Really worried about getting more !!

Suggestions greatfully accepted .

[gjz30075]

Have someone else move it while you watch the strobe

[rgh0]

reach under the cap and move the dizzy by its alloy base not the cap.

cheers
Rohan

[oldchieft]

Code of safe working practice, risk assessment control measures and permit to work plan!

That is how it should be done.

All arrive at the same result, stop the engine make the adjustments, then restart the engine.

Or you can keep stress testing you heart.

If you insist on doing it on a running engine, have your other hand in you pocket.

That is so you are not touching any metal and there should not then be a path across you chest that could stop your heart.

Also make sure your will is up to date.

Jon the Chief

[Galwaylotus]

Code of safe working practice, risk assessment control measures and permit to work plan!

That is how it should be done.

All arrive at the same result, stop the engine make the adjustments, then restart the engine.

Or you can keep stress testing you heart.

If you insist on doing it on a running engine, have your other hand in you pocket.

That is so you are not touching any metal and there should not then be a path across you chest that could stop your heart.

Also make sure your will is up to date.

Jon the Chief

Although the voltage is high at perhaps 15kV, the current is very low so I doubt it would result in a fatality.

[l10tus]

Jon, ( and all others who replied) - thanks.

Thought I'd just agree with your train of thought - ( about possible safety issues).

I had the distributor out of its location, sitting on top of the rocker box cover, plug no. 1 was out and I'd fitted the strobe wires.

I only spun the distributor and bang! - It gave me a massive shock!

Unfortunately, I was earthed holding onto the engine - the jolt went up one arm , across my chest and down the other arm ! ( just as you warned)

Although not a drama queen, I genuinely was sent 'flying' with the reaction, and couldn't believe the jolt I had just received !

This morning I can still feel a tightness in my chest, across the path where the current ran.

So now, I'm really nervous about trying to work on the timing with the engine running (hence the original question)

Although, I feel adjusting whilst the engine is running is needed to achieve an accurate result. .?

I did think about the stop start procedure, but it just won't be accurate engough in my mind?

So, I may just call in the local mobile mechanic and use his experience! ( I'm really not into self harm) !

Just for the record: all parts are new, Aldon Recon. 43d dizzy, fitted with Ignitor 11 electronic ignition., new silicon leads, distributor cap and rotor arm, Lucas Gold Sports Coil, etc. But:-

Update !!!!:

This afternoon, whilst trying to get the car running again:-

I fried the Ignitor!! -

- by wiring it back to front on the coil terminals ( damn ?1 reading specs!) - so ?100 worth up in smoke - literally!

But hey- ho, fitted the spare Accuspark ignition module that I'd been told just to keep as a spare, and guess what? - it works as good as, if not slightly better than the Aldon Ignitor 11!

Does what it says on the box!

Really easy to start, a very slow even Tickover can be achieved, and hey presto the previous flat spot at 2.5 K revs. has gone!

I suppose the better running may be something to do with me re- timing it, but the ignition system seems to be really performing well.

Not sure about its longevity but for now, great !
( no connection with either products, etc)

MOT readiness is now quite close !

Thanks again for the replies.

Regards,

Phil.

[Chancer]

You were sent flying by your own (good) reaction, you are not to know if it was a much higher voltage and current and if it were you would not get a second chance to find out.

When you know what is coming, what to expect whilst not a pleasurable experience the bodies reactions are far less and you can even tough it out with virtually no reaction if you really have to.

One of my tricks was to make a short through my body to HT current from a running engine, i was wearing rubber soles so it wasnt too bad, then I would grab the hand of my victim who would either not have insulated footwear or be leaning on the vehicle, they would have a violent shock reaction but myself, expecting it even though it was going from one arm to the other across my chest would not be too bothered.

I tried the same on an electric fence at a lodge in the Kruger park, wont be trying that one again I can tell you!

My grandfather was a motorcyclist between the wars, the bikes then had leather saddles with hollow rivets to breath and drain away water like the bicycles of my youth. he always carried a length of thin wire to prank his pals, the conductor at one end placed Inside the HT cap the other end to one of the saddle rivets.

They would kick start the bike, grab a big handfull and then sit down

[Galwaylotus]

If the cap and HT leads are in good condition, you shouldn't get a shock from turning the distributor. I've done it many times. If there is a crack or carbon track on the cap or of the insulation in the HT leads is breaking down then that's a different story!